The Defence Headquarters is concerned about a false and disturbing social media reports twisted to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) received request to effect change of leadership in the country.
We want to use this opportunity to reiterate that the AFN never received nor made such declaration at any time to anyone or any group. We believe this statement came from those who do not wish the nation well. It is surely the wicked imagination of a few who are not happy with the progress and well-being of our dear country.
The AFN is very comfortable with democracy and remain loyal to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The military is always willing and ready to defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
We urge those peddling such falsehood to desist from such or face the law. The Military and indeed other security agencies are on the look out for these agents of doom. We must all all join hands to strengthen our democracy.
You are please requested to disseminate this information
Signed: TUKUR GUSAU Brigagier General Director Defence Information 13 August 2023
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, Hon. Rufus Bature on behalf of the entire APC family in the state, heartily felicitates with its amiable and digital gubernatorial candidate, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe on the auspicious occasion of his 55th birthday anniversary. The State APC Chairman said Dr Nentawe Yilwatda who is a very vibrant and steadfast political icon is a great asset not only to the APC but to Plateau State as a whole. According to the state APC Chairman, Dr Nentawe’s emergence as the gubernatorial candidate is a decision the APC will never regret given his impressive and towering credentials not only as a Professor of ICT but a political grassroots mobliser and bridge builder which Plateau State needs as this time. Despite the temporary set back at the last gubernatorial election, the APC remains very confident that Dr Nentawe Yilwatda and his Deputy, Hon. Pam Bot Mang are going to reclaim their mandate at the ongoing Gubetribunal Tribunal sitting in Jos in order to clean the augean stables and take Plateau State to its most desirable and enviable height with his visionary GenerationNext mantra. Hon. Rufus Bature is full of praise for the youthful gubernatorial candidate whom he said is a man of peace and a totally detribalised Nigerian who believes in the unity and harmonious co- existence of the people of Plateau state irrespective of their religious inclinations. The APC Chairman wishes Dr Nentawe, who is a beacon of hope, God’s abundant grace and good health in the service of Plateau state and, indeed, the nation at large.
Signed:
Hon. Sylvanus Namang, APC State Publicity Secretary.
Former Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has sent warm felicitations to APC Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda on his 55th birthday.
Lalong in a statement described Dr. Nentawe as an accomplished academic, astute administrator, and a grassroots politician who has contributed enormously to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
According to the former Governor, the qualities of love, commitment, service, humility and intellectual sagacity which Dr. Nentawe has cultivated for many years have been amplified in the last couple of years since he decided to offer himself for political service.
He said Dr. Nentawe is a leader who believes in inclusive governance, peace and aspires to deepen the involvement of youth in productivity and government.
Governor Lalong said the message of hope generated by Dr. Nentawe’s Generation Next campaign slogan remains highly anticipated among Plateau citizens who are anxiously waiting and hoping that the election tribunal will return his mandate to serve Plateau State.
While wishing him many more years of good health, divine protection and favour, Lalong urged Dr. Nentawe to remain resolute and committed to serving the people as he awaits the tribunal verdict.
The Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, Prof Matur Malau Bernard, has showered praises on Plateau State Government and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), for the numerous supports the university has received through sponsorships of staff trainings and infrastructures in the past years.
Matur, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Associate Prof Nengak Jurji Gomos, made this assertion during the taking over ceremony of the newly constructed Faculty of Agricultural Sciences building funded by TETFund, under the 2020/2021 Merged Annual Intervention described TETFund as an agency of the Federal Government that has contributed positively, not only in the development of Nigerian universities and it’s workforce, but by extension, the Nigerian students.
The Vice Chancellor described the magnificent building as iconic and one of the best edifices occupying the PLASU space and thanked the contractors, Andex Press and Allied Nig. Ltd, and Rinbang Nig. Ltd, who built and furnished the faculty, respectively, for keeping to contract specifications and delivering in good time, and assured them that their names will be written in PLASU good book.
Matur used the occasion to announce that academic activities will soon start at the faculty, as the National Universities Commission has given the approval for the take off of programmes.
Earlier, the Consultant, Arc. Elisha Ballat, of APD Associates, pointed out that, construction of the one storey building which stated in March, 2022, has provisions for 27 offices, classrooms, laboratories, water supply and has a good road network.
In their speeches, the contractors thanked PLASU and the Consultant for their supports during the period of construction and said, they are always ready and available for more jobs.
Dean of the Faculty, Dr Hosea Finangwai, thanked God for the successful and timely completion of the faculty building and said, the faculty will engage in teaching and research activities as well as find solutions to major problems of agriculture in Plateau State and beyond.
The Director of Works and Physical Planning, Builder Sarah Tsemwan-wayo, applauded TETFund for providing funds for the project, she thanked the Consultant for his relentless efforts and the contractors for jobs, well-done.
KEEP KANAM CLEAN INITIATIVE APPOINTS ADVISERS AND LEGAL ADVISERS
The idea of initiating Keep Kanam clean initiative movement is born out of our cariosity in creating and ensuring healthy and smooth environment to be found in Kanam LGA just like other locality in Nigeria. It is therefore, our desire and dream to see the organization grow in more rapidly. And on that single determination however, we must as a matter of duty begin to select persons and personalities of high caliber to the organization in meeting our expected target.
APPOINTMENT OF ADVISERS AND LEGAL ADVISERS.
Just like other organizations and bodies, corporate and non-corporate entities where advisers and legal advisers are mostly constitutionally provided so also Keep Kanam clean initiative.
However, sequal to the approval of the names of the nominees earlier forwarded to the EXCO of the organization as constitutionally provided and subsequently approved same, signed by the convener of Keep Kanam clean initiative on the 19th day of July, 2023 the nominees deem appointed
Accordingly, this among many deliberations were anchored during the last meeting of the organization held Wednesday 19th July 2023. Whereas the EXCO expressly reposed confidence that with these new set of appointees meant for the organization, the organization will no doubt witness a lot, it will undoubtedly expand more wider, strategized and being impactful positively on the lives of our citizentry.
The appointees are as follows:-
~ ADVISERS 1.Mr Linus Nehemiah YJ (JP) Environmental Health Officer 2. Prof. Mustapha Jamda 3.Comr.Usman Muhammad (C.E.O.SOS Educational Foundation) 4. Mr. Dahiru Shehu (JP) 5.Mr. Sama’ila I. Auta 6.Comr. Abdulmutalif S.Sambarka 7.Comr. Majam Philemon Nuhu 8.Hon.Comr,Sadiq Kwaltom 9.Hon.Auwal Kadel 10.MLS.Yakubu Sa’idu Dashe 11.Hajj. Jummai Ghambaze 12.Hon. Elisha Bitrus Shehu (JP) 13. Pharm.Gyang Samuel Ishaya 14.Mr. AbdulMubarak Yahaya 15.Mr. Satmak Dapar 16. Hajjiya. Hadiza Usman 17. Mr. Yunana Sulisma Dauda.
Legal Advisers 1. Hon. Richard O.Okonyia ESQ. 2.Barr. Mohd Idris Almagaji ESQ.
Furthermore, the appointment of patrons of the organization will follow suit after a short period of time. The organization appreciated with all sense the effort and concern of our youths and elders within and outside the state for believing in our intention for a “GENUINE CLEAN ENVIRONMENT”
Let preserve and save our environment. Cleaningness is healthy and healthy is cleaningness and a Clean Environment is a disease free environment.
Over three hundred youths drawn from across Nigeria who have completed their tertiary education and have requisite ICT knowledge are currently undergoing a week-long training programme at Plateau State University Bokkos co-sponsored by Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas and Plateau State University Bokkos. The programme which will impart them with knowledge on Mobile Apps Development,Phyton Computer Language, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber security amongst others has an assemblage of Diaspora experts made up of Professors and ICT experts from around the globe. Declaring the training programme open,Vice Chancellor Plateau State University Bokkos Professor Matur Malau Bernard commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for granting express permission to the University to embark on the programme and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas for pooling their resources and expertise together to give back to their fatherland in an ICT programme for the first time outside the Federal Capital of Nigeria. Professor Matur used the occasion on behalf of Plateau State Government to appreciate the diasporans for the huge sacrifices made in this give back programme where he also revealed that the University has been granted approval in principle by the National Universities Commission to kickstart an online distance learning programme to enable Plateau citizens and other Nigerians who desire to update their knowledge do so from the comfort of their homes. Speaking earlier, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas Dr. Ezekiel Macham and the President Zumunta Association, United States of America Mr. Bitrus Sunday said the training programme was their own way of helping Nigeria grow. They encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the training which will open doors of opportunities for them both locally and internationally upon completion. Other Diaspora ICT experts and facilitators who spoke on the enormous benefits of the programme urged the participants to see the exercise as a fulcrum that would propel them to higher pedestals of their careers. In his remarks, Diaspora Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abuja Boyiga Bunkaya who represented the Chairman of the Commission,Abike Dabiri Erewa described the programme as a laudable initiative and commended both the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas and Plateau State University Bokkos for facilitating the programme which has enormous benefits for the youth, saying, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization has continued to serve as a bridge between other Nigerians outside the shores of the country and the government by making inputs on the policy direction of the government to bring development to the country. He charged the participants to fully embrace the training programme as it will take them to where they desire to be professionally. In her remarks,Head ICT, Plateau State University Bokkos,Mrs Lydia jonglapson said the University was fully prepared to open its facilities for all participants.
ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, PLATEAU STATE CHAPTER, KALWA HOUSE, YAKUBU GOWON WAY, JOS
RE: INTERVIEW BY SENATOR NAPOLEON BALI, SENATOR REPRESENTING PLATEAU SOUTH ON ARISE TV.
The attention of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has been drawn to an interview granted on the Morning Show of Arise Television by AVM Napoleon Bali (rtd.), Senator representing Plateau South in the National Assembly.
In the said interview which featured discussions on the security situation in Plateau State, he said, amongst other things, that the crises especially in Mangu and Riyom LGAs are politically motivated.
He also claimed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang is being threatened and harassed by politicians who are procuring the federal might to frustrate his administration.
This wild and ridiculous allegation, coming from a retired military general, is not only disappointing but is rather absurd and vague since it has raised more questions than answers without any clue as to the solution to the persistent crises in the affected areas.
Another spurious claim which tends to cast a lot of doubt about the Senator’s sincerity of purpose is his assertion that Governor Mutfwang has shared with him in confidence the suspects behind the crises.
Permit us at this juncture to ask the following pertinent questions: since the Senator and the Governor know the suspects, why can’t they save us the trouble by reporting them to the appropriate security agencies for prosecution?; as a retired military general, what role has the Senator played in availing his expertise, professionalism and experience towards nibbing the crises in bud?
Since the Senator already has constructive knowledge of those behind the crises why then is it taking him too long to report to the appropriate quarters? Is the Senator not also insinuating that the Presidency and its apparatuses are deeply involved in fuelling the crises. Or Senator Napoleon Bali merely playing to the gallery and whipping up mere sentiments since he lacks the wit, will power and patriotism to assist in curtailing the crises?.
Summarily, his outbursts during the interview are a bundle of speculations and conjectures without any concrete basis!
Nevertheless, while we condemn in strong terms the unabating crises in the affected areas, we would rather caution that critical stakeholders like Governor Mutfwang and Senator Bali should desist from playing politics with the security of lives and property. They should instead put all hands on deck and think out of the box as to the way forward.
It would recalled that in our communique of Thursday 6th July 2023, the APC as a political party had called on the Plateau State Government to convoke an all-inclusive critical stakeholders meeting, cutting across religious and political affiliations, towards discussing the way forward.
We wish to thank our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his fatherly concern on the crises that has befallen our State when he called for the building of trust and restore harmony while urging community leaders religious and traditional rulers, socio-cultural organisations to work together to help forster genuine and long – lasting peace.
Mr President in his true spirit of statesmanship and demonstration of leadership, reaffirmed his government’s strong determination to stamp out violent crimes and all forms of criminalities everywhere in Nigeria and directed security agencies to fish out the masterminds of the dastardly acts to face the full wrath of the law.
We challenge Senator Napoleon Bali to immediately avail the appropriate agencies the names of the politicians or whoever is involved in the dastardly acts of the killings in our state which has brought great sorrow to our people.
Failure to do so he should be treated as an accomplice given his standing not only as a retired General but representative of of the people at the highest level of law making in our country.
His revelation, if truly any, would be the beginning of true solution to these unending crises instead of grandstanding and impressionistic posturing.
Signed:
Hon. Sylvanus Namang, APC State Publicity Secretary
In what appears to be a continuation of the barrage of misinformation and desperate attempts by the Caleb Mutfwang led PDP administration in Plateau State to disparage the immediate past Government of His Excellency Simon Bako Lalong and tarnish its image and reputation, the new administration came up with another fresh and unsubstantiated claim that it inherited 307 billion naira as against what was submitted in the hand over notes put at 201.2 billion naira.
The unsubstantiated figure which was said to have been given during the submission of a 4-year Strategic Development Plan and Transition Committee Report by its Chairman Prof. Ganyir Lombin to Governor Mutfwang is to say the least another fabrication of the imagination of its authors aimed at targeting the achievements of the last APC administration by the PDP which as it were, clearly thrives in mischief and misleading the people.
For the avoidance of doubt, the APC led Rescue Administration handed over a total debt stock of 201,225,349,626.41 naira only as at 30th April 2023 which is verified by the Plateau State Debt Management Agency and the Federal Government Debt Management Office and was so submitted in the handover notes.
This figure comprises of both the domestic and foreign loans and facilities accessed by the Plateau State Government during the Lalong administration including the figures it inherited from the Jang administration.
Let it also be known that in 2015, Governor Lalong inherited a total debt burden of 222 Billion naira from the Jonah Jang administration which he never defaulted in servicing throughout his administration without making noise or trying to tarnish the image of his successor by misinformation and fabrication of fake and fictitious figures.
In addition, the Lalong Rescue Administration despite maintaining its commitment to servicing inherited debts, completed many abandoned projects and also applied judiciously the loans and facilities it took to carry out other new projects that it initiated, many of which were commissioned before the end of the tenure and are currently being enjoyed by the citizens.
In case the PDP claims to have forgotten, the APC Rescue Administration under Governor Lalong also inherited over 8 months salary arrears, 12 months pension, no work no pay withheld wages, among others which it settled promptly and continued to pay untill its last few months in office.
We regret to remind the people of Plateau State that in 2015, many local Governments, particularly Mangu (which was led by the current Governor H.E. Caleb Mutfwang as Chairman) were shut down due to huge debts untill the Lalong Rescue Administration stepped in to save the situation and have the local Government reopened. Despite this, no one went to town to castigate him or fabricate fictitious figures to disparage him.
One therefore wonders what the PDP led administration wants to achieve with this fake figures that are not in tandem with the figures authenticated by the DMO and Plateau Debt Management Agency which have been published and can be verified any day any time.
We challenge the Government or its Committees which came up with the bogus and fake figures to put out the details of the “alleged” debt profile for the public to see if they have any.
Moreover, the Committee claimed that they were not given the opportunity to make input into the preparation of the handover notes of the last administration.
It is unfortunate to hear such narrative from the committee because we wonder how an incoming administration will be part of preparing handover notes of a previous one. Where has it ever happened? Were they part of that last Government that they will participate in preparing handover notes? We hope they will not soon deny the fact that they were part of the transition committee.
As always, we advise Governor Caleb Mutfwang to face the business of governance like his colleagues across the country particularly as Plateau faces very critical issues at the moment which need to be addressed.
These include the ravaging attacks on innocent citizens which have continued unabated since he took over, the continued shutdown of the State Civil Service due to the strike by workers over unpaid salaries, as well as the crippling of governance at the Local Government tier due to his inordinate ambition to forcefully take over the local Government against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and pronouncements of the Supreme Court.
In our view, this is not the time for blame games, grandstanding and political gymnastics which the PDP Government seems to be using to hide its cluelessness and incapacity to deliver governance having lied to the people using propaganda, fake news and misinformation.
Plateau people are yearning for solutions and not excuses because Government is a continuum. Debt or no debt, they desire and deserve peace, progress and development.
The Vice Chancellor, Plateau State University Bokkos, Professor Matur Malau Bernard has presented a suitable place not far from the girls chalets to two contractors for the construction of a female hostel that will ensure their safety while in campus. The project which is courtesy the Tertiary Educational Trust Fund under 2022/2023 merged Annual Intervention will be executed in Wings one and two. Wing One is to be carried out by Dang Global Nigeria Limited while Wing Two is to be handled by Ogas Project Limited. While presenting the project plans to the two contractors, Professor Matur expressed appreciation to TETFund for considering Plateau State University Bokkos in its intervention plans. He appealed to the contractors to exhibit professionalism by providing quality accommodation that will ensure the safety of lives and property. The consultant CITADEL Development and Consultant Limited, Architect Mike Yilbial said he will ensure that all contractors adhere to the terms and conditions of the award for timely completion as well as providing value for the money that will be spent on the project. Hostel Wing One is expected to be completed in 22 week while Wing Two is expected to be handed over on or before 4th of November 2024.
The moral pattern of Nigerian politics continues to change with the crop of politicians elected into leadership positions. In the past, our representatives were chosen based primarily on the auspices of the mere tribe, religion or region rather than on their governance skills, civil commitment, moral principles, and human values.
Combating poverty, providing healthcare, jobs, quality education, safety and security to the poor were not of importance to the political leaders. Because in realpolitik, the rich and the privileged have their priorities and different sociopolitical agendas. Of course, given the large empire of corruption that Nigeria has become, it is almost impossible to name clean-living political leaders. To date, the majority of the members of the National Assembly, state legislators, governors, and local government councillors are either criminals or ex-convicts. Most of them are wicked, insensitive, and insidious to honour human values. They are not morally equipped to take Nigeria to a better place.
For as long as I have been old enough to understand what goes on in Nigeria today, it has always been clear to me that citizens have often been unhappy with the quality of those who govern them. I am specifically talking about the Hungry Hamsters, Craving Cats and the Pop-Bellied Possums who have re-jigged our political pedestal and turned it into a jungle democracy.
Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has become the exception rather than the rule. He is rewriting the history of political leadership within the Nigerian matrix. He is indeed, turning the apple cart against the insatiable rogues of the people’s common will.
The legislator has chosen service over propaganda and quality and verifiable projects to add value to his people instead of propaganda which many of his contemporaries deploy as a survival strategy in governance.
The 41-year-old economist, who himself, has tasted poverty and hardship, chose to embark on projects that impact directly on the lives of the people. And, the projects are many and widespread across the length and breadth of the state. They are verifiable and physical for even the blind to see, touch and feel their presence. The projects touch all aspects of development, with education topping the list apparently because the legislator comes from the ivory tower where he has made a mark as a Dr to be soon.
The statistics speak for themselves: On education, Hon Gagdi undertook capital projects. He built classroom blocks in schools within the three local government areas. These include a new 3-block Classroom with Offices in GSS Kor in Belting, a 3-block Classroom with Offices in GSS Balang, 3 classrooms block in Gum-Gagdi, and six(6) blocks of classrooms in Langshi amongst others. Equally, the rep member paid registration fees for WEAC and JAMB to all students within his constituency and a total of five thousand exercise books have been provided for school pupils in the area including 300 school desks to improve the learning environment in schools.
Responding to youth unemployment, his leadership engaged over 500 unemployed youths in the Vocational Entrepreneurial Training Scheme for skills acquisition. Most of these trainees are now self-employed while others are being employed by some private sector. He has equally lobbied Federal appointments to over 500 constituents in various ministries, agencies and parastatals. This timely move has significantly reduced the menace of political thuggery and the melee of loitering around government offices.
In the area of health care delivery, the Rep member has also left an indelible mark in his first tenure in office. Gagdi accorded greater priority to primary healthcare at the grassroots level. In that sector, Gagdi undertook projects, from which over 10 new primary healthcare centres (PHCs) were constructed within the three local government areas.
Similarly, the lawmaker did not disappoint in the area of water supply, a key component of development in the constituency, which relies heavily on water for agriculture and consumption. In his first tenure in office, Gagdi drilled no fewer than 300 new boreholes within the three local government areas of the constituency.
In the field of agriculture, Gagdi empowered constituents with Water Pumps with Suction hoses, Grammazoe Insecticide, Rice Herbicides, Fertilizers, Grain storage Bags and cash Stipends worth Millions of Naira to over 300 beneficiaries within Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency. He recently distributed 150 bags of fertilizer to irrigation farmers within the three Local Government Areas under the PKK.
In the area of road construction, Gagdi has Constructed 9.7 kilometres of road across the Headquarters of Kanam LGA and 9.2 kilometres of roads in the Pankshin metropolis aside from road maintenance projects within the constituency.
According to an inspiring leadership quote: “When someone is truly a visionary and works all his life-changing the course of history by inventing, discovering or implementing things that can improve people’s lives, they become immortals!”. Impliedly, Gagdi is simply immortal for the huge difference he made by doing the right thing and standing by the truth, which other leaders detest. We need more of his type, right from the local council level to the presidency, more so now than ever before.
With this impressive record of performance in grassroots leadership, Gagdi has become a polished name in political prosperity that PKK has known. No matter the lens we use to look at Gagdi, we cannot ignore his contributions to the political and socio-economic development of the PKK.
With his recent reelection, the world of PKK constituents overflows with new vistas of opportunities and possibilities and we are optimistic about his wisdom and exposure to spin them into gold.
Sir, continue with the many life-changing bills, the numerous developmental projects, as well as the administrative wizardry capable of driving home numerous developments. We know you are fully equipped to create the perfect balance of representation, legislation and leadership as you have done in the past.
We will watch in amazement to see your new ideas rolled out and turn them into something spectacular in the coming months and years.
Best wishes of many many more years of even more happiness and success yet to come.
Freelance Reporters 